This picture of  John Gay, Miller, and his family outside Bickleigh Mill c.1899 kindly provided by his grandson, also John Gay.

John Gay was born in 1863 and moved  with his father Edwin Paddon Gay both Millers in the village of Charles, near South Molton to Bickleigh and Butterleigh Mills. On Edwin's death in 1893, John moved from running Butterleigh Mill to Bickleigh where he remained until his death in 1930.

Both Mills went to Auction at the Palmerston Hotel, Tiverton on February 24th 1931. Bickleigh Mill was described "as in thorough working order complete with excellent machinery and fittings and with the advantage of unlimited water power, has been occupied by the late owner Mr John Gay and family for nearly 60 years."

Family members continued to run both Bickleigh and Butterleigh Mills, including son in law Charles Ralph who we are told invested in a diamond mine in South Africa. 

Bickleigh Mill ceased working as a Mill in the early 1950's following extensive damage to the machinery through flooding when the river weir collapsed. The machinery was removed and the premises unused for a time. In 1966 an application was made for planning approval to turn the old flour Mill into a riverside night club with bars, dining areas and floor space for cabaret shows. In 1971 the near derelict Mill was purchased by Bill Shields who established a visitor, craft and farm centre.

Earlier History.

In 1838 records show a fire at the Mill, occupied by Mr Jarman, destroyed the thatched Mill, dwelling house and nearby tanyard run by his brother at Millhayes.The loss was estimated at £3,000. Two years later the site of the Mill was put up for lease, "for the resolve of 99 years, determinable on the Death of the survivors of three healthy lives, aged 15, 16 and 18 years and the purchaser will be bound to erect a dwelling house and corn mill thereon." The 1841 census shows a Mr John Carthew in occupation.

In 1864 the mill was put up for auction together with 'horses, waggons, carts, market trap, cider and empty casks' to pay off creditors.

1n 1869 the mill was again on sale by auction.

in 1874 The Western Times (19th March) read, "M J Chennells begs to inform the inhabitants of Bickleigh, Tiverton and neighbourhood that the above Mill will be re-opened by him on 25th March when he hopes by selling good articles at moderate prices to merit and receive a share of their patronage."

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